Kep is a province that lies in the south-western part of the country of Cambodia. During the first half of the 20th century Kep was a prestigious hideaway and was very popular with French aristocrats and the Cambodian elite. It is close to the border with neighbouring country Vietnam and was famed for its beaches and seafood. Unfortunately Kep fell on hard times during the Khmer Rouge occupation of Cambodia and many of the opulent villas and mansions were destroyed.

In modern times Kep is beginning to re-emerge as a popular destination for tourists and visitors. It is still relatively quiet compared to areas such as Phnom Penh but this only adds to its charm. There is a good road connection to the neighbouring town of Kampot. Kep can be reached by either, bus or taxi. You will find a few direct services to Kep from Phnom Penh but even if you can reach nearby Kampot by bus, you can then jump in a taxi or take a moto onto Kep itself.

Although the town of Kep is small in comparison to cities such as Phnom Penh, it has a unique and special atmosphere. There is the Kep Beach to explore, which is a kilometre long stretch of beach which is good for swimming or just relaxing in a secluded spot. Indeed, there are many picnic stalls along the boulevard across from the beach where you can hire mats, purchase some seafood and enjoy a picnic on the warm sand. As well as the beach to enjoy, there is the beachside market to savour, which reputedly has the best crabs to purchase in the whole of Cambodia.

There are also several great sandy beaches to be found on the nearby Rabbit Island (a short boat ride away from Kep). These beaches are uncrowded and great for swimming or relaxing on. Typically, a day trip to Rabbit Island will cost you US$15.

Other activities that can be found in Kep include sailing, river boat trips, fishing and day excursions to the surrounding countryside of Kep and Kampot. You will be able to see the stunning views, rural villages (on stilts!), water buffalos and quaint little pagodas. Kep is also situated within a National Park and covers an area of 5000 hectares. There are many pathways and walks to enjoy here; nature lovers will enjoy the many ponds, opportunities for bird watching and the variety of animals (such as snakes and wild boar) that can be found in this habitat. If you venture up the Kep Mountain within the borders of the National park, you will find the newly rebuilt Wat Samathik, which focuses on relaxation and meditation. If nothing else, it is worth venturing up the mountain to take in some stunning views of the countryside around the Kep province.

One of the most interesting and somewhat eerie experiences to be found in this region is a visit to Bokor Hill Station. Situated on Bokor Mountain outside of nearby Kampot, it is a collection of buildings that were built by the French in the 1920s to accommodate foreigners who could not cope with the tropical heat found in Cambodia. Among the buildings you will see there is an old church, a casino, a hotel, shops and royal apartments. There is truly an eerie feeling to the place as it is completely abandoned. Some people may recognise Bokor Station hill as it has been used as a location for some films in recent years. It is worth the journey (and the strange atmosphere); there are also opportunities for trekking through the jungle on Bokor Mountain.

As well as the National Park, you can also purchase a day ticket which allows you entry into the Teuk Chhou Zoo. This attraction is about half an hour’s ride away from the town of Kep; it is a private zoo which is home to many animals including deer, tigers, lions, monkeys and birds. It costs US$5 to enter the zoo and there may be a small surcharge should you wish to take your own car through the area of the zoo.

Kep is a small and peaceful area that is largely unaffected by tourism. There are no bright lights and overcrowded attractions here; just simple food, life and activities that will leave you feeling relaxed and in-tune with the Cambodian local way of life.